ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – The 4th annual Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention kicked off on Friday at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The Gospel Band Competition kicked off with a full schedule of events, followed by several performances and a traditional square dance.

Jonathan Hand is one of many bluegrass musicians who made the journey to Abingdon to perform in the Gospel Band Competition.

Hand said his love for bluegrass started at an early age.

“I picked up guitar from a very young age from playing in church,” Hand said. “I was in the eighth grade and been playing ever since.”

Jennifer Blankenship is a convention board member and plays a key role in putting on the event each year.

She said that bluegrass music can bring a community together and is a genre that welcomes everyone.

“You see 6-year-olds and 96-year-olds playing music,” Blankenship said. “It’s just a good atmosphere for folks to come.”

Washington County is one of the many communities in the region that were hit hard by the impact of Hurricane Helene. Blankenship said that a portion of T-shirt sales will go toward hurricane relief.

Blankenship explained that many bluegrass artists stepped in after Helene’s aftermath. She said it’s important for the convention to give back as well.

“A lot of the people in the bluegrass community stepped up whenever that happened,” Blankenship said. “They volunteered their time.”

The Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention has a full slate of events scheduled for Saturday.